Puppy & Foundation

Building the Model Canine Brain. Get expert guidance on crucial early development. Topics cover critical socialization, establishing early routines, and positive reinforcement techniques for building lifelong confidence and impulse control.

First Steps to Freedom: Part 2 Moving Puppy Training Outdoors with The Good Dog Blueprint

Or 👉 Click here to schedule your Free in-home consultation today You've mastered the first steps indoors: your puppy happily wears the gear, and they understand that a loose leash means movement. Now comes the biggest challenge: moving that focused behavior outdoors, where distractions are everywhere. At The Good Dog Blueprint , we understand that a puppy's indoor skills often crumble outside. Our title-winning training requires that your dog's obedience holds up in any e

AJ Dekker

Nov 7, 20253 min read

First Steps to Freedom: Part 1 How to Get Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash

Or 👉 Click here to schedule your Free in-home consultation today Introducing your puppy to the leash is the first step toward creating a reliable, well-mannered companion. If done correctly, your puppy will see the leash as a signal for good things—like exploration and high-value rewards. If done poorly, they may resist, pull, or freeze. At The Good Dog Blueprint , we use a low-pressure, high-reward approach to build a positive association with the leash from day one. Our

AJ Dekker

Oct 29, 20253 min read

The Puppy Socialization Challenge: How to Achieve 250 People and 500 Dogs of Quality Exposure

Learn More from The Good Dog Blueprint We believe education is the key to creating a truly Confident Dog. If you find this article helpful, explore our other posts for tips on socialization, leash manners, and achieving off-leash reliability. 👉 Read More Blueprint Philosophy and Training Tips Here 👉 Click here to schedule your Free in-home consultation today The critical socialization window (roughly 3 to 16 weeks) is the foundation of your puppy's temperament, but the wo

AJ Dekker

Oct 18, 20253 min read

Freedom on a Leash: Effective Use of the Check Cord in Puppy Training

Learn More from The Good Dog Blueprint We believe education is the key to creating a truly Confident Dog. If you find this article helpful, explore our other posts for tips on socialization, leash manners, and achieving off-leash reliability. 👉 Read More Blueprint Philosophy and Training Tips Here 👉 Click here to schedule your Free in-home consultation today One of the biggest struggles for new puppy owners is finding the balance between allowing necessary exploration and

AJ Dekker

Oct 17, 20253 min read

The Most Important Command: How to Master Puppy Recall with the Blueprint Game

Learn More from The Good Dog Blueprint We believe education is the key to creating a truly Confident Dog. If you find this article helpful, explore our other posts for tips on socialization, leash manners, and achieving off-leash reliability. 👉 Read More Blueprint Philosophy and Training Tips Here 👉 Click here to schedule your Free in-home consultation today Of all the commands your puppy will learn, Recall ("Come!") is the one that guarantees their safety and grants the

AJ Dekker

Oct 16, 20253 min read

Zero Accidents: The Good Dog Blueprint for Fast, Reliable Puppy Potty Training

Learn More from The Good Dog Blueprint We believe education is the key to creating a truly Confident Dog. If you find this article helpful, explore our other posts for tips on crate training, socialization, and achieving off-leash reliability. 👉 Read More Blueprint Philosophy and Training Tips Here Potty training is often the most frustrating hurdle for new puppy owners. However, when done correctly, it should be fast, simple, and nearly accident-free. At The Good Dog Bluepr

AJ Dekker

Oct 13, 20253 min read

The Confidence Corner: Why Crate Training is a Cornerstone of The Good Dog Blueprint

Learn More from The Good Dog Blueprint We believe education is the key to creating a truly Confident Dog. If you find this article helpful, explore our other posts for tips on crate training, socialization, and achieving off-leash reliability. 👉 Read More Blueprint Philosophy and Training Tips Here For many new puppy owners, the crate can feel like a cage or a punishment. At The Good Dog Blueprint , we view the crate as the exact opposite: it is your puppy’s personal Safe Zo

AJ Dekker

Oct 13, 20253 min read

Introducing Your Dog to Cats and Other Household Pets with The Good Dog Blueprint

Learn More from The Good Dog Blueprint We believe education is the key to creating a truly Confident Dog. If you find this article helpful, explore our other posts for tips on crate training, socialization, and achieving off-leash reliability. 👉 Read More Blueprint Philosophy and Training Tips Here Bringing a dog into a home with existing pets like cats, rabbits, or birds presents a unique challenge: managing the dog's natural predatory drive and ensuring the absolute safety

AJ Dekker

Oct 12, 20253 min read

Essential Commands for Every Puppy: Building a Foundation for Life

👉 Click here to schedule your FREE in-home consultation today! Learn More from The Good Dog Blueprint We believe education is the key to creating a truly Confident Dog. If you find this article helpful, explore our other posts for tips on crate training, socialization, and achieving off-leash reliability. 👉 Read More Blueprint Philosophy and Training Tips Here Bringing a new puppy home is a rewarding journey filled with love, laughter, and a crucial responsibility: setting

AJ Dekker

Oct 10, 20253 min read